Members of Abia State Council of Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) have embarked on a prayer and fasting session at the NUJ Press Centre, Umuahia, for the release of their abducted colleague, Mr. Ugochukwu Ugoji Eke.

Mr. Eke, the Umuahia Correspondent of The Nation newspapers, was abducted in front of his residence in Aba at 7:30 p.m. last Sunday. He is still in the custody of his captors.

At an emergency congress yesterday afternoon solely called to inform members of Mr. Eke’s abduction, the Council resolved to approach God for His intervention and facilitation of the unconditional release of their colleague.

After formally informing members of the unfortunate development, Council Chairman, Comrade John Emejor, suggested that since Eke was still in the custody of his abductors, it would be proper to go to God for His divine intervention.

Contributors at the congress all supported supported the views of the chairman that only God can handle the situation. They include Zonal Vice President Emeritus, Comrade Ambrose Nwachukwu; Sir Peter Okore; Zonal Secretary of NAWOJ, Comrade Ozioma Onwuka-Okereke; immediate past Council Chairman, Comrade Hyacinth Okoli; and Mr. Friday Ikpeoha.

News Express recalls that a similar prayer and fasting session was organised by Abia NUJ in the wake of the abduction of Waheed Oba, erstwhile Lagos Council Chairman, the then Secretary, Silver Okereke and late Adolph Okonkwo in July 2010.

Meanwhile, a former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dr. ACB Agbazuere, has appealed for the unconditional release of Eke.

Agbazuere, the Publisher of The Diamond newspapers, while addressing newsmen in Umuahia, regretted that youths still engage in what he called “despicable, ignoble and inglorious” profession of kidnapping and other social vices. He advised them to turn a new leaf and embrace God.

•Photo shows Abia NUJ Chairman, Comrade John Emejor.

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